What is the US Department of Agriculture Southeast Climate Hub And Why Is It Important?
On February 5, 2014, the USDA has set up 7 regional "Climate Hubs" which are tasked to deal with the challenges of adapting to climate change.
According to the USDA, "As part of the President's Climate Action Plan, the Hubs will provide:
Technical support for land managers to respond to drought, heat stress, floods, pests, and changes in the growing season.
Assessments and regional forecasts for hazard and adaptation planning to provide more time to prepare.
Outreach and education for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners on ways to mitigate risks and thrive despite change.
Florida is in the Southeast hub, which is known as SERCH. The hub is directed from the Southern Research Station of the Forest Service, situated in Raleigh, N.C. There is a Southeast "Sub-Hub" in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.
The SERCH website, with reports on the hub's work and projects, can be seen here.
Federal involvement in understanding the benefits of raised fields is crucial. You can contact SERCH at (919) 515-9489.
If you feel the Raising Fields Project should be studied by USDA, please tell the Hub.
